Edinburgh

One of the most beautiful gothic architectural cities I've ever seen!

Arriving in the afternoon we started with a walking tour of the city and managed to fit in the Royal Mile, Holyrood House, and Edinburgh Castle( aka Hogwarts). Yes, this city may look familiar to Harry Potter fans!Come step into a world of witchcraft and wizardry! This is where JK Rowling got her inspo and wrote her novels. In fact, It all started here at The Elephant House cafe.

Stopping for a delicious dinner at Victoria next to the famous Greyfriar Bobby's. Seriously some of the best Italian I've ever had!

Ahh sleeping in never felt so good! Feeling refreshed I was ready to tackle the day. But first, Coffee and where better to get some then finding a cute cafe off the beaten path of the royal mile. Wedged between cute stores I was able to pop in and shop quirky vintage finds and harry potter decor at my own pace. Pie in the Sky vintage and curiosities at museum context were to spots I really enjoyed on Cockburn St. BUT nothing tops the Grassmarket a great central location to everything and even more conveniently Armstrongs.

Even though I could spend all day there I moved right along to Victorias Street! I love doing the whole touristy thing and exploring all the gothic scenery and popular spots, but I find best results by asking the locals their best spots for foods and drink like The Doric and trying their Innis & Gunn a local beer that was so yum! Aslo venturing in to famous Decon Brodies and sipping a pint while learning the history behind the name.

I really enjoyed spending the day mozying around Edinburgh with no agenda in mind. A really cool place with lots of great attractions and easy access to everything, and gorgeous gardens that give you killer views of the castle on the hill.The perfect place to relax and learn a little about its darker past. Witches were not as excepted in the past as they were in harry potter...

** For harry potter lovers: The Potter Trail
There are free walking tours, yes free! and its a local guide (witch or wizard) that takes you everywhere from Greyfriars kirkyard to discover J.K.'s inspo for McGonigal and Tom Riddle to all of her famous writing spots. I would HIGHLY recommend. I learned so much more about J.K. Rowling's life and how each character and background was so important and thoughout. The tour guide was so knowledgeable and fun providing wands and a sorting hat. Edinburgh is really where Harry Potter got started so if you're a fan this is the place to explore. People come from far and wide to see the places that Rowling experienced to help her form the stories and characters.

more harry potter finds in the local shops: